The Pull List 3-7-18

It’s Wednesday again! That means it is time for another installment of The Pull List! Caveat emptor: This week the list is dominated by titles not published by DC or Marvel. Indie publishers are putting out some truly interesting and noteworthy books these days, so don’t be surprised if this happens (repeatedly) in the future. Anyway, in no particular order, here are my top comics this week!

Gideon Falls #1

Cover by Andrea Sorrentino

The first of two titles written by the ever-prolific Jeff Lemire on this weeks’ list, Gideon Falls grabbed my attention and demanded a spot on my list for several reasons; Supernatural horror and mystery blend in this tale that centers around the phenomenon of The Black Barn, a strange building alleged to have appeared in both a city and a rural town at various points in history. When it appears, calamity always follows.

An urban youth obsessed with a conspiracy regarding the city’s trash and a lapsed Catholic priest find their lives intertwined by this ethereal building of lore.

While you may not always be able to judge a book by its cover, having a notable design certainly doesn’t hurt. Sorrentino did a stellar job with this first issue. At a glance, we see a section of the city from the air. Upon closer inspection, the arial view coalesces into a human profile. If the cover alone can grab my attention like that, I can’t wait to see what is contained within.

This is not the first collaboration for Lemire and Sorrentino, having previously worked together on an acclaimed run of Old Man Logan for Marvel. This team has chemistry, and this title promises to highlight them at the height of their powers.

Prism Stalker #1

Cover by Sloane Yeong

What grabbed me about this comic (aside from the vivid, psychedelic cover) was the official solicit from Image that I read roughly one month ago:

“For fans of Octavia Butler, Sailor Moon, and the biopunk horror of David Cronenberg comes PRISM STALKER, an ongoing sci-fi adventure series by SLOANE LEONG.”

Seeing as I’m a fan of all of those things (and I’m sure a good many of you are as well), Prism Stalkers’ presence on The Pull List was a no-brainer. The story follows a young woman named Vep, a refugee raised on a foreign planet as an indentured servant to an alien race of monstrous insectoid creatures. Duty to her family leaves her seemingly trapped in bondage, until an opportunity presents itself. The parallels in this narrative to the horrific situations many immigrants and refugees in our own world find themselves in are sure to make this comic a gripping read.

Bloodshot: Salvation #7

Cover by Jeff Lemire

The second title on The Pull List coming to you from Jeff Lemire is Bloodshot Salvation #7. It presents the reader with a novel experiment in creative storytelling. Having entered the Deadside in search of a cure for his ailing daughter, Ray Garrison (aka Bloodshot) finds himself surrounded by a horde of malevolent entities and deprived of his sight!

The entire comic will be seen from Bloodshot’s point of view. That is to say, in complete darkness, as he (and the reader) are guided through the Deadside by his canine companion, Bloodhound. Written and drawn, and with a cover by Jeff Lemire (seriously, this guys’ work ethic must be truly perpetual), “The Book of the Dead” arc promises to be one of the most exception of Lemire’s entire run on this character.

Mech Cadet Yu #7

Cover by Takeshi Miyazawa

After surviving an attack by the hostile alien race, the Sharg, and without their mechs, Standford Yu and his fellow Mech Cadets find themselves called into action.

Earth is going to make one last effort to end the Sharg invasion, and Stanford and his compatriots are about to find themselves in the thick of it!

Pak and Miyazawa have created one of the most exceptional all-ages titles currently to grace the shelves with Mech Cadet Yu. If you’re a fan of other giant-robot fare (Gundam, Gurren Lagann, etc.) this title is well worth your hard-earned dollars.

That’s a wrap for this week! Be sure to check back next week for more recommendations. Until next New Comic Book Day…AWWAAAAY!